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‘We need to change the economy of this country radically‚’ Zuma tells supporters at post-SONA rally

President Jacob Zuma and First Lady Nompulelo Ntuli-Zuma. Picture Credit: Gallo Images
President Jacob Zuma and First Lady Nompulelo Ntuli-Zuma. Picture Credit: Gallo Images

President Jacob Zuma told ANC supporters that 2017 was the year to change the status of the economy.

He was addressing party supporters who had gathered at the Grand Parade in Cape Town to watch his state of the nation address.

“We need to change the economy of this country radically. We‚ the blacks‚ are in the majority but we have very little to do in the economy‚” said Zuma.

He said the party needed to address the issue of land because without land there would be no economic empowerment.

Zuma starts with the good news: growth to nearly trebleThe economy was expected to grow 1.3% this year‚ up from the estimated 0.5% in 2016‚ President Jacob Zuma said in his state of the nation address on Thursday. 

“This is what you need to discuss as the structures of the ANC and unite behind that vision‚” he said.

Thousands of party supporters had gathered at the Grand Parade from midday on Thursday to watch his SONA in a rally the party dubbed the “People’s Assembly”.

Top party leaders like deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte and treasurer Zweli Mkhize had also made their way to the gathering after the SONA.

This was the first time the party organised a rally on the day of SONA.

SONA lacked excitement needed to boost economy‚ says business leaderPresident Jacob Zuma’s last State of the Nation (SONA) address offered very little new from last year and is unlikely to boost business and investor confidence‚ desperately needed to re-energise the economy and property market. 

The move is seen as a step to regain support following a dismal 2016 Local Government Elections.

Sports Minister Fikile Mabalula‚ who is the ANC’s head of campaigns‚ said the event will now be hosted annually.

He also said party members would be required to give three days monthly to interact with voters.

 

 

– TMG Digital